Carpet stretcher

Abstract

A carpet stretcher comprising: a head mechanism; a tail mechanism; and an elongate extender; wherein the head mechanism is connected to a distal end of the elongate extender, and the tail mechanism is connected to a proximal end of the elongate extender; and wherein: the head mechanism comprises: a head element having a carpet engaging surface; an extension element for extending the elongate extender at its distal end so as to urge the head element distally; and a lever mechanism for actuating the extension element; characterised in that the tail mechanism comprises a tail element having a carpet engaging surface.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A carpet stretcher, comprising: a head mechanism; a tail mechanism; and an elongate extender; wherein the head mechanism is connected to a distal end of the elongate extender, and the tail mechanism is connected to a proximal end of the elongate extender; and wherein: the head mechanism comprises: a head element having a carpet engaging surface; an extension element for extending the elongate extender at its distal end so as to urge the head element distally; and a lever mechanism for actuating the extension element; characterized in that the tail mechanism comprises a tail element having a carpet engaging surface, wherein the carpet engaging surface of each of the head element and the tail element comprises a plurality of rigid carpet engaging spikes having a plurality of tips protruding from each of the carpet engaging surface, and each of the head mechanism and the tail mechanism comprises an adjustable depth gauge mechanism, the adjustable depth gauge mechanism comprises a carpet engaging buffer, deployable from the carpet engaging surface between the plurality of rigid carpet engaging spikes, the carpet engaging buffer has a carpet engaging face substantially flush with the plurality of the tips of the rigid carpet engaging spikes based on the rigid carpet engaging spikes are at a maximal deployment; and a depth gauge actuator for deploying, retracting, and locking to place the carpet engaging buffer. 
     
     
       2. A carpet stretcher according to  claim 1  wherein the tail element further comprises a foot plate surface, opposite its carpet engaging surface, upon which a user can stand with at least one foot during use. 
     
     
       3. A carpet stretcher according to  claim 2  wherein the tail element is pivotably connected to the proximal end of the elongate extender, so as to be lockably pivotable about an axis which is perpendicular to its carpet engaging surface. 
     
     
       4. A carpet stretcher according to  claim 1  wherein the elongate extender is telescopically extendable. 
     
     
       5. A carpet stretcher according to  claim 4  wherein the elongate extender is lockable in a plurality of selectable states of extension. 
     
     
       6. A carpet stretcher according to  claim 1 , wherein the direction of extension of the rigid carpet engaging spikes protruding from the carpet engagement surface of the head member has a component in the distal direction, and the direction of extension of the rigid carpet engaging spikes protruding from the carpet engagement surface of the tail element has a component in the proximal direction. 
     
     
       7. A carpet stretcher according to  claim 1  wherein the lever mechanism comprises a ratchet mechanism to prevent proximal retraction of the head element during an operation in which the lever is being actuated to urge the head element distally. 
     
     
       8. A carpet stretcher according to  claim 1  further comprising a force gauge for measuring the distal force exerted in use by the head member on a carpet, and a display means which displays the measured force to the user.